Trunyang Village in Bangli

Unique Village in Bangli with its Cultural History and Burial Tradition

Unique Cultural Tourism in Rural Kintamani

Trunyan Village is one of the villages in Bangli District that is known to have a unique funeral tradition that is still preserved today. This tradition is different because the bodies of the deceased are not buried in the ground or cremated, but only placed under a tree called Taru Menyan. This tree has the unique ability to deodorize the corpse, so that the burial area remains clean and comfortable.

However, not all bodies can be treated in this way, as there are certain requirements that must be met. With this unique tradition, Trunyan Village has become one of Bangli’s most interesting cultural tourism destinations. When visiting this village, you can learn the in-depth history of the traditions practiced by the local community and even witness the unique funeral process first-hand.

Because of its authentic and historical appeal, Trunyan Village is included in the list of Bangli Interesting Places to Visit as one of the destinations you must visit while in Bali.

History or Origin of Trunyan Village

The story of Trunyan Village begins with King Surakarta, a king who had four children (three sons and one daughter). One day, the siblings caught the scent of a mysterious fragrance. Curious about its origin, the youngest child suggested that it came from the east. With the king’s approval, they set out on a journey to uncover the source. After several days of travel, they arrived in Bali and eventually reached Mount Batur. Feeling a deep sense of comfort, the youngest asked to settle there. His brothers agreed, and he remained behind, earning the name Ratu Ayu Mas Maketeg.

As the journey continued, conflict arose. The third child was expelled and chose to stay in meditation, seated cross-legged, and was later honored with the name Ratu Sakti Sang Hyang Jero. Meanwhile, the remaining two brothers proceeded to Lake Batur, where they encountered a beautiful woman. An argument broke out when the eldest forbade the second to approach her, leading to the area being named Abang Dukuh Village. The eldest son eventually arrived at a tree known as Taru Menyan. There, he met and married a beautiful woman. He was granted the name Ratu Sakti Pancering Jagat, believed to be the highest deity of Trunyan Village, while his wife became known as Ratu Ayu Pingit Dalam Dasar, the guardian of Lake Batur.

When Ratu Ayu Pancering Jagat passed away while defending her land, her body was placed beneath the Taru Menyan tree. This fragrant tree, central to the village’s traditions, gave Trunyan its name and derived from “Taru” (tree) and “Menyan” (fragrant). Today, the Taru Menyan tree remains a significant cultural symbol and the heart of Trunyan Village’s unique burial practices.

Trunyan Village Location and Travel Route

For those of you who like cultural and historical tourism, Bali Touristic recommends visiting Trunyan Village, especially the cemetery area which is unique and separated from the main village area. To reach the cemetery area, you need to take a traditional boat owned by residents from Kedisan Village. Trunyan Village is located in Kintamani District, Bangli Regency, precisely on the shores of Lake Batur, east of Kintamani Village.

From the center of Bali, the journey to Trunyan Village takes about 2 hours. However, if you are in the Kintamani area, the trip only takes about 40 minutes. You can get to the location by passing Jalan Penelokan, then turn left onto Jalan Windu Sara at the Lake Batur Indomaret intersection. From there, follow the road downhill in the hills and continue on Jalan Trunyan that circles the edge of Lake Batur until you reach Trunyan Village.

A Unique Attraction

• Funeral Traditions

  Funerals in Trunyan Village are different from other traditions. The body is only placed under the Taru Menyan tree, covered with white cloth, and fenced with woven bamboo. The Taru Menyan tree emits a fragrant odor, so the corpse does not smell.

• Funeral Rules

  Not all bodies can be placed under the Taru Menyan. The rule is that the corpse must have died naturally, be married, and have complete body parts. In addition, the number of bodies placed there cannot exceed eleven. This tradition is called Mepasah, and the location is known as Sema Wayah. Sema Muda: An unmarried child or adult. Sema Bantas: People die unnaturally or with incomplete limbs. Visitors who come to the cemetery area are expected to behave, not to speak rudely, and not to take items from the grave site.

• Pancering Jagat Temple

  The village has a temple called Pura Pancering Jagat, which is the venue for the traditional art of Barong Brutuk. This performance is held every two years during the Ngusaba Kapat ceremony. Barong Brutuk dancers, who are the incarnation of the ruler of Trunyan Village, must purify themselves for 42 days before performing. They wear clothes made of dried banana leaves (kraras) and masks.

• Location Next to Lake Batur

  On the way to Trunyan Village, you’ll pass the shores of Lake Batur, taking in the view of its bluish-green waters in a relaxing and calming atmosphere.

Opening Hours, Ticket Prices, and Facilities

• Opening Hours: Trunyan Village is open for 24 hours, but to visit the graveyard area or go around, it’s best to come in the morning as the boat service only operates from 08.00-17.00 WITA.
• Ticket Price:
  • Admission is free.
  • Traditional boat rental: around IDR 725,000/4 people.
  • Motorboat rental: around IDR 925,000/4 people.
• Facilities: The village provides facilities such as toilets and some Balinese food stalls for visitors’ convenience.

Trunyan Village is a great destination to witness unique traditions and enjoy the cultural and natural beauty on offer.